System and method for storing and delivering ammonia

Abstract

A system (200) for safely storing ammonia underground comprises: a storage tank (300) located underground for storing liquid ammonia; and a safety system (400) connected to the storage tank (300) to control leakage from the storage tank (300) and to allow liquid ammonia to be delivered into the storage tank (300) and to allow liquid ammonia to be delivered out of the storage tank (300), the safety system (400) comprising: a reliquefaction system (410); a collection tank (420); a scrubber (430); a water tank (440); a standby external cooling system (450) and a liquid ammonia delivery system (460).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the storage and delivery of ammonia. More particularly, the present invention relates to the safe storage and delivery of ammonia near densely populated areas (such as in or near urban ports) to reduce the risk of dangerous ammonia leaks from the delivery system. Background Art

[0002] Ammonia is used and stored in industry for a variety of purposes. If it were to leak, it could have immediate and / or severe effects on people and / or the environment.

[0003] Ammonia is an inorganic compound composed of nitrogen and hydrogen with the chemical formula NH3. Ammonia is typically stored in refrigerated ammonia tanks. Liquid ammonia is stored at approximately -33 degrees Celsius under atmospheric pressure. Ammonia can also be stored at high pressure at ambient temperature. Alternatively, ammonia can be stored in a semi-refrigerated state at intermediate pressures and temperatures.

[0004] Examples of ammonia applications are as a fertilizer in agriculture, as an energy carrier for storing excess energy from power plants, and as a fuel for shipping and power generation.

[0005] For the latter two embodiments, large quantities of ammonia will generally need to be stored.When used to fuel ships, the storage tanks should preferably be close to the port where the bunkering operation is taking place.

[0006] However, ammonia is toxic, and safety measures must be taken to avoid the risk of human exposure. It is crucial that ammonia does not leak during storage, either in gaseous or liquid form. Leaked liquid ammonia could enter the atmosphere and vaporize. If leaked ammonia were to escape into the sea, it could reach the surface and vaporize uncontrollably. Ammonia is highly harmful to marine life and fish. Therefore, it is crucial that ammonia does not leak from storage tanks.

[0007] With ammonia becoming a valuable fuel source for shipping, there is often a need for ships to be able to dock and refuel in city ports or other ports close to larger populations or infrastructure.

[0008] It would be highly desirable to provide a safe ammonia storage system and method for storing ammonia such that the system can be located very close to population centers.

[0009] Currently, ammonia is stored in large tanks at or near ports. Ships using ammonia as fuel must approach the tanks for ammonia bunkering, which involves transferring ammonia from the tanks to the ship.

[0010] Large storage tanks take up a significant amount of valuable space, particularly in busy urban ports. Furthermore, large tanks are undesirable for many people living near ports because they are too large and block a large portion of the skyline. Local residents may also feel unsafe living in close proximity to large, visible chemical storage tanks. Finally, safety zones are often established around large ammonia storage tanks. Within these safety zones, people cannot work or live, so the effective space consumed by ammonia storage tanks is often much greater than their actual physical space consumption.

[0011] It would be highly desirable to provide systems and methods for storing ammonia in densely populated areas, such as urban ports, that address at least some of the problems discussed above.

[0012] Furthermore, ammonia filling requires the same leak prevention safety measures and the aforementioned safety zones.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need to minimize or eliminate the safety distance required during ammonia filling.In addition, there is a need to improve safety when filling ammonia.

[0014] US Patent No. 4,796,676A discloses a tank system for storing fluids in an environmentally safe container, the tank system comprising a rigid outer primary tank having a flexible protective secondary inner tank positioned within the tank and in contact with the inner wall of the rigid outer tank by negative pressure suction. A continuous monitoring system is connected to and forms part of the system for evacuating the space between the inner and outer tanks, enabling immediate detection of any leaks or loss of integrity in the liner at any time.

[0015] Patent documentation US5381923A discloses a kind of overflow controller for liquid storage tank.Fluid overflowing from the inlet port or discharge port of liquid storage tank is collected in overflow collection chamber, and described overflow collection chamber covers inlet port and discharge port.The overflow collection chamber also covers overflow storage chamber, and when the liquid in overflow collection chamber rises to the level of the inlet port enough to enter overflow storage chamber, overflow storage chamber receives liquid from overflow collection chamber.The overflow collection chamber is formed into fluid sealing relation with storage tank and overflow storage chamber.Liquid storage tank can also be positioned in dam, and this dam has second overflow collection chamber to capture overflow from tank overflow collection chamber.

[0016] Patent document US4542626A details the storage of a product, such as ammonia, that is liquefiable under pressure and miscible with water, underground. The storage occurs at the product's liquefaction pressure within a double-layered cortex defining an intermediate space, with both cortexes inserted into a cavity formed in a water-soaked formation. The storage depth is selected so that the hydrostatic pressure of the formation water exceeds the maximum expected pressure of the stored product, while the intermediate space is filled with water and maintained at a pressure below the minimum expected pressure of the stored product. If the inner cortex is punctured, the NH3 is recovered into the water in the shaft and does not escape and contaminate the surrounding formation water.

[0017] Patent document WO2018101841A1 discloses a hose device for conveying a flowable medium between a first unit and a second unit. The hose device includes a hose unit, which includes a first pipe suitable for conveying a medium and a second pipe arranged around the first pipe, so that a closed space is formed between the first pipe and the second pipe. The hose device includes a loop device and a control unit, the loop device includes an inlet for injecting gas into the space and an outlet for removing gas from the space, and the control unit is adapted to control the flow of the medium through the first pipe and the flow of gas through the loop device during the closing phase, so that the flow of the medium through the first pipe is terminated before the flow of the gas through the loop device is terminated.

[0018] It is an object of the present invention to remedy or alleviate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0019] This object is achieved by the features specified in the following description and the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0020] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for safely storing ammonia below ground is provided, comprising: a storage tank located underground for storing liquid ammonia; and a safety system connected to the storage tank to control leakage from the storage tank and allow liquid ammonia to be transported into the storage tank and to allow liquid ammonia to be transported out of the storage tank, the safety system comprising: a reliquefaction system configured to receive and liquefy gaseous ammonia vaporized from the liquid ammonia in the storage tank and to transport the liquefied ammonia to the storage tank; a collecting tank configured to collect liquid ammonia leaked from the safety system and to transport the leaked liquid ammonia to the storage tank; a scrubber configured to treat gaseous ammonia leaked from the safety system and to transport the treated gas to the atmosphere or the ocean through a carbon filter; a water tank connected to the water tank connected to the scrubber and configured to receive contaminated water; a backup external cooling system, the backup external cooling system being configured to be operable to provide backup cooling to the storage tank and the collection tank; and a liquid ammonia delivery system, the liquid ammonia delivery system being configured to deliver liquid ammonia to and from the storage tank; wherein the reliquefaction system is configured to provide cooling to the storage tank and the collection tank due to the liquefaction of ammonia gas; and the liquid ammonia delivery system includes a safety hose, the safety hose including: an external fluid communicating conduit; a first internal fluid communicating conduit, the first internal fluid communicating conduit being disposed within the external fluid communicating conduit and being configured to deliver the liquid ammonia from the proximal end to the distal end; so that, in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communicating conduit will be received in the external fluid communicating conduit.

[0021] The storage tank may be configured to withstand up to at least 2 bar internal pressure, or at least 3 bar internal pressure, or at least 4 bar internal pressure, or at least 5 bar internal pressure.

[0022] The reliquefaction and collection tanks may be configured to withstand internal pressure.

[0023] The tank may have a depth of 1,000m 3 and 40,000m 3 The storage capacity between.

[0024] The storage tank may include walls, a floor, and a roof, wherein the walls and / or the floor are made of concrete, and the roof comprises a steel structure.

[0025] The roof of the storage tank may be covered with soil.

[0026] The top plate may be welded or bolted to the walls and / or bottom plate.

[0027] The system may further include a reliquefaction pipeline fluidly connecting the reliquefaction system and the collection tank, and a collection tank pipeline fluidly connecting the collection tank and the storage tank, wherein the reliquefaction system is configured to provide cooling to the reliquefaction tank pipeline and the collection tank pipeline due to liquefaction of the ammonia gas.

[0028] The reliquefaction system may be configured to provide cooling of the reliquefaction tank piping and the collection tank piping such that the internal temperature of the reliquefaction tank piping and the collection tank piping is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

[0029] The water tank can have a 3 and 15,000m 3 The capacity between.

[0030] The system may also include a chimney connected to the scrubber to allow the treated gas to be discharged into the atmosphere.

[0031] The reliquefaction system may be configured to provide cooling of the storage tank such that the internal temperature of the storage tank is between -5°C and -50°C or between -30°C and -40°C.

[0032] The reliquefaction system may be configured to provide cooling of the collection tank such that the temperature inside the collection tank is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

[0033] The backup external cooling system may include at least one cryotube located on the ground, close enough to the storage tank so that, in use, the at least one cryotube can cool the storage tank so that the internal temperature of the storage tank is between -5°C and -40°C or between -30°C and -40°C.

[0034] The at least one cryotube may be located in the ground within 2m to 10m, or 4m to 8m, or approximately 5m from the storage tank.

[0035] The at least one cryotube may be located at ground level, sufficiently close to the collection tank so that, in use, the at least one cryotube may cool the collection tank so that the internal temperature of the collection tank is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

[0036] The at least one freezing pipe may be located at the ground within 2m to 10m, or 4m to 8m, or about 5m from the collection tank.

[0037] The at least one cryotube may include a plurality of cryotubes.

[0038] The backup external cooling system may further include a removable cooling unit configured to be connected to the at least one cryotube to provide cooling of the at least one cryotube.

[0039] The external fluid communication conduit may be a flexible tube.

[0040] The first internal fluid communication conduit may be a flexible tube.

[0041] The external fluid communication conduit may be configured to convey liquid ammonia and / or gas.

[0042] The external fluid communication conduit may be configured to, in use, deliver liquid to the proximal end; such that, in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communication conduit will be received in the external fluid communication conduit and can be delivered to the proximal end.

[0043] The external fluid communication conduit may be configured to convey gas from the distal end to the proximal end such that, in use, gas can be conveyed from the distal end to the proximal end while liquid ammonia is delivered in the first internal fluid communication conduit from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0044] The system may further comprise a second internal fluid communication conduit disposed within the external fluid communication conduit and configured to transfer gas from the distal end to the proximal end; such that, in use, gas may be transported from the distal end to the proximal end in the second internal fluid communication conduit while liquid ammonia is transported from the proximal end to the distal end in the first internal fluid communication conduit; and gas leakage from the second internal fluid communication conduit will be received in the external fluid communication conduit and capable of being transported to the proximal end.

[0045] The liquid ammonia delivery system may further include a second safety hose for transporting gas from the distal end of the second safety hose to the proximal end of the second safety hose, the second safety hose including: a second external fluid communication pipe; and a second internal fluid communication pipe, the second internal fluid communication pipe being arranged in the second external fluid communication pipe and being configured to transport the gas from the distal end of the second safety hose to the proximal end of the second safety hose; so that in use, gas leaking from the second internal fluid communication pipe will be received in the second external fluid communication pipe.

[0046] The system may also include a safety connector for connecting the safety hose to the delivery port during use to safely deliver liquid ammonia from the internal fluid communication pipe to the delivery port, the connector comprising: a connector body comprising a hose connection end and a port connection end; an external pipe connection device, the external pipe connection device being configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the hose connection end of the connector body and the external fluid communication pipe of the safety hose during use; a first internal pipe fixing device, the first internal pipe fixing device being arranged in the connector body and being configured to fix the first internal pipe to the connector body during use, so that the first internal pipe can be connected to the fluid receiving pipe of the port inside the connector body during use; a port connection device, the port connection device being configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the port connection end of the connector body and the delivery port during use; so that in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal pipe in the connector body will be received in the connector body.

[0047] The connector body may be frusto-conical in shape.

[0048] The connector body may be configured to deliver liquid ammonia.

[0049] The connector body may be configured to, in use, deliver liquid to the hose connection end; such that, in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communication conduit within the connector body will be received in the connector body and can be delivered to the hose connection end.

[0050] The connector body may be configured to deliver gas from the delivery port to the hose connection end in use, such that in use, gas can be delivered from the delivery port to the hose connection end while liquid ammonia is delivered through the safety connector into the first internal fluid communication conduit.

[0051] The system may further comprise a second inner conduit fixing device disposed within the connector body and configured to fix the second inner conduit of the safety hose to the connector body during use, such that the second inner conduit can be connected to the gas supply conduit of the port within the connector body during use.

[0052] The hose connection end portion of the connector body can be fluid-tightly connected to the external fluid communication pipe of the safety hose via the external pipe connection device; and the first internal pipe is fixed to the connector body via the first internal pipe fixing device.

[0053] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for safely storing and transporting ammonia underground is provided, comprising the following steps: providing a system according to the first aspect of the present invention; providing a certain volume of liquid ammonia in the storage tank; operating the reliquefaction system to: receive and liquefy gaseous ammonia vaporized from the liquid ammonia in the storage tank, and transport the liquefied ammonia to the storage tank; provide cooling for the storage tank and the collection tank due to the liquefaction of ammonia gas; and transport ammonia from the proximal end of the hose to the distal end of the hose through the first internal fluid connecting pipe; so that ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid connecting pipe will be received in the external fluid connecting pipe.

[0054] The method may further include the steps of collecting liquid ammonia leaked from the safety system in the collection tank, and transporting the leaked liquid ammonia to the storage tank.

[0055] The method may further comprise the steps of treating gaseous ammonia leaked from the safety system in a scrubber and conveying the treated gas to the atmosphere or the ocean through a carbon filter; and collecting contaminated water from the scrubber in the water tank.

[0056] The method may further include the step of operating the backup external cooling system to provide cooling to the storage tank and the collection tank.

[0057] The method may further include the following steps: using the liquid ammonia delivery system to deliver liquid ammonia to the storage tank or to deliver liquid ammonia out of the storage tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 A first view of an ammonia storage and delivery system located at a city port is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 Alternative views of ammonia storage and delivery systems;

[0061] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an ammonia storage and delivery system;

[0062] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second example of an ammonia storage and delivery system;

[0063] Figure 5 The robot and hose are shown;

[0064] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A robot in which the hose is connected to the end effector of the robot;

[0065] Figure 7 A safety hose configured to transfer ammonia is shown;

[0066] Figure 8 Shown is the layout Figure 7 A connector on the end of the safety hose;

[0067] Figure 9 An alternative safety hose is shown that includes a single internal fluid communication conduit and is configured to allow gas to return to the external fluid communication conduit;

[0068] Figure 10 A kit is shown comprising a first safety hose and a second safety hose; and

[0069] Figure 11 Shown is the Figure 10 Connect the first or second safety hose to the connector of the delivery port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A location 100 is shown where it is desired to store and fill a large quantity of liquid ammonia. The term "filling" is used throughout this disclosure and is intended to refer to the transfer of ammonia from a storage location to a ship, storage container, vessel, or other container. In the embodiments presented herein, the vessel is filled, however, it will be appreciated that in some cases, the ammonia may be transferred to another container for storage or further delivery. Thus, the term "filling" is used broadly herein to refer to the transfer of ammonia from a storage tank to a vessel, or vice versa.

[0071] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, site 100 includes a port 101, a plurality of industrial buildings 102, agricultural land 103, and residences 104. It will be appreciated that in other locations where it is desired to store large quantities of liquid ammonia, such as large city ports, there may be many more buildings, infrastructure, residences, and other aspects of the built environment nearby.

[0072] A ship 105 is docked at the port 101 and is connected to an ammonia storage and delivery system 200 for storing and delivering liquid ammonia. It should be understood that the ship 105 can receive liquid ammonia or deliver liquid ammonia to the ammonia storage and delivery system 200.

[0073] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen in the example currently described, the ammonia storage and delivery system 200 is located directly below the ground within the area of ​​the port 101. It will be understood that in alternative examples (not shown), the ammonia storage and delivery system 200 may be located beneath sand, rock, dirt, mud, clay, or any other material found on the ground. Furthermore, in alternative examples, the ammonia storage and delivery system 200 may be located in a mountain, such as in a cave formed by blasting or excavated from a mountain. The term mountain is used herein, and it will be understood that the term is used broadly and may refer to, for example, rolling hills. Further details of the construction of the ammonia storage and delivery system 200 are provided later, following the description of the components of the system 200.

[0074] refer to Figure 3 , details of the major components of system 200 are now provided. System 200 includes a storage tank 300, which includes sidewalls 301, a floor 302, and a roof 303. In the example currently described, sidewalls 301 and floor 302 are formed from concrete and polymer. In other examples, sidewalls 301 can be constructed as snap-fit ​​pile walls, which provide a suitable construction method for forming a sealed storage tank 300 within a cavity in the ground. Alternatively, sidewalls 301 can be formed from steel. Alternatively, sidewalls 301 can be formed as slurry walls. Alternatively, sidewalls 301 can be formed from one or more flexible membranes.

[0075] In some examples, sidewall 301 will be formed solely of concrete. In some examples, sidewall 301 will be formed of several alternating layers of concrete and polymer. Polymer may be used when sidewall 301 is constructed in unstable rock and / or when an additional safety barrier is required.

[0076] The top plate 303 in the example currently described is formed of steel of a truss structure. In some examples, the top plate 303 can be welded to the side walls 301. In some examples, the top plate 303 can be bolted to the side walls 301. In some examples, the top plate 303 can be configured to withstand high internal pressure by forming the top plate 303 into a curved or hyperbolic shape. Additionally or alternatively, the top plate 303 can be provided with vertical tie rods connected to the side walls 301 or the bottom plate 302. The storage tank 300 in the example currently described has a volume of approximately 15,000 m 3 In some examples, the storage capacity can be 1,000m 3 Up to 40,000m 3 between.

[0077] like Figure 3As shown, storage tank 300 is located below ground level. In the example currently described, roof 303 is only slightly below ground level and is covered by a thin layer of rock and soil 304. It should be understood that in alternative examples, storage tank 300 may be located significantly deeper underground. That is, in some examples, there may be a relatively thick layer of rock and soil 304 covering roof 303. In some examples, rock and soil 304 may be between 3 and 20 meters thick.

[0078] Still refer to Figure 3 As can be seen, the storage tank 300 is connected to a safety system 400 to control leaks from the storage tank 300 and to allow liquid ammonia to be transferred into and out of the storage tank 300, i.e., to allow for ammonia refilling. The safety system 400 includes a reliquefaction system 410, a collection tank 420, a scrubber 430, a water tank 440, a backup external cooling system 450, and a liquid ammonia delivery system 460. Each of these components will be explained in more detail as appropriate.

[0079] Liquid ammonia has a boiling point of approximately -35.7° C. at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the storage tank 300 containing the liquid ammonia must always be kept at a very low temperature to ensure that rapid and uncontrollable vaporization of the ammonia does not occur.

[0080] It is highly desirable to keep the liquid ammonia at a temperature below -37.5°C to ensure that vaporisation does not occur, however this is challenging and technically difficult in practice, particularly when the storage tank 300 is used to load and unload ammonia, for example to bunker ammonia onto a ship.

[0081] Therefore, it is accepted that some (albeit very little) vaporization of the ammonia occurs, thereby producing gaseous ammonia.

[0082] The storage tank 300 in the presently described example is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to at least 2 bar. In some examples, the storage tank 300 can be configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to at least 3 bar, or at least 4 bar, or at least 5 bar. The storage tank 300 is configured to withstand internal pressure so that the internal pressure can rise safely within the storage tank 300 without causing an explosion or rupture of the storage tank 300. Although it is highly desirable to minimize ammonia vaporization, some vaporization is unavoidable. Ammonia vaporization within the storage tank 300 results in an increase in the internal pressure that the storage tank 300 must be able to withstand.

[0083] Furthermore, it is highly desirable that the storage tank 300 be configured to withstand internal pressures significantly greater than the expected internal pressure during operation, i.e., the internal pressure generated when a small amount of ammonia vaporizes due to heat entering the storage tank 300 during the transfer of ammonia into or out of the storage tank 300 during use. It should be noted that the internal temperature in the storage tank 300 may also increase for other reasons. This provides a safety factor so that, in use, if it is not possible to maintain the storage tank 300 at a sufficiently low temperature to minimize the vaporization of ammonia, the internal pressure within the storage tank 300 can safely increase for a reasonable length of time until backup cooling can be provided and / or the storage tank 300 can be emptied of ammonia. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0084] Reliquefaction system 410 is configured to receive and liquefy gaseous ammonia vaporized from liquid ammonia in storage tank 300 and deliver the liquefied ammonia to storage tank 300. Because the gaseous ammonia is converted back into a liquid and then delivered back to storage tank 300, some vaporization of the ammonia in storage tank 300 becomes acceptable. A convenient advantage of reliquefaction system 410 is that the process of converting gaseous ammonia back into liquid ammonia produces a cooling effect. That is, reliquefaction system 410 is configured to provide cooling during operation. This cooling cools storage tank 300 in an effort to keep the internal temperature of storage tank 300 as low as possible.

[0085] In other words, the operation of reliquefaction system 410 can be viewed as a cyclic process with storage tank 300. At the beginning of the cycle, some of the liquid ammonia in storage tank 300 vaporizes because the internal temperature of storage tank 300 is greater than the vaporization temperature of ammonia at the pressure within storage tank 300. The gaseous ammonia is supplied to reliquefaction system 410, where it is liquefied. During liquefaction, reliquefaction system 410 provides cooling to storage tank 300, thereby suppressing further or uncontrolled vaporization. In this regard, when cooling is required, reliquefaction system 410 is used to provide cooling to storage tank 300 because the liquid ammonia within storage tank 300 vaporizes due to the temperature of the liquid ammonia. In the example described herein, reliquefaction system 410 is configured to provide cooling to storage tank 300 so that the internal temperature of storage tank 300 is between -5°C and -50°C. In some examples, reliquefaction system 410 may be configured to provide cooling to storage tank 300 such that the internal temperature of storage tank 300 is between -30°C and -40°C.

[0086] Viewed another way, for purposes of explanation only, the reliquefaction system 410 can be considered a refrigeration system for the storage tank 300, whereby refrigeration is provided only when the temperature within the storage tank 300 becomes high enough to cause vaporization of the liquid ammonia.

[0087] Reliquefaction systems are known in the art, and selecting an appropriate reliquefaction system for the purpose will be within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0088] It should be understood that during operation, some liquid ammonia may leak from the safety system 400. For example, some liquid ammonia may leak from the reliquefaction system 410. The collection tank 420 is configured to collect the liquid ammonia leaked from the safety system 400 and transfer the leaked liquid ammonia to the storage tank 300.

[0089] Although not in Figure 3 , but the safety system 400 includes a reliquefaction pipeline fluidly connecting the reliquefaction system 410 and the collection tank 420, and a collection tank pipeline fluidly connecting the collection tank 420 and the storage tank 300. In some examples, the reliquefaction system 410 can deliver the liquefied ammonia to the storage tank 300 via the collection tank 420. In an alternative example, the reliquefaction system 410 can deliver the liquid ammonia directly to the storage tank 300. In either case, the reliquefaction pipeline can be configured to capture any leaked liquid ammonia from the reliquefaction system 410 and deliver it to the collection tank 420. In the presently described example, the reliquefaction system 410 and the collection tank 420 are configured to withstand internal pressure.

[0090] It should be understood that the collection tank 420 is intended to collect the liquid ammonia and maintain it in a liquid phase within the collection tank 420 prior to delivery to the storage tank 300. A further purpose is for the reliquefaction piping and the collection tank piping to also maintain the liquid ammonia in a liquid phase during its delivery through the reliquefaction piping and the collection tank piping. In this regard, the collection tank 420, the reliquefaction piping, and the collection tank piping are all maintained at a low temperature to maintain the liquid ammonia therein in a liquid phase. Cooling of the collection tank 420, the reliquefaction piping, and the collection tank piping can be provided by the reliquefaction system 410 in the same manner as the reliquefaction system 410 provides cooling to the storage tank 300 (as described above). In addition to or alternatively to such cooling, the collection tank 420, the reliquefaction piping, and the collection tank piping can be maintained cool by an external cooling system. It should be understood that the reliquefaction system 410 and the fluid communication piping can be significantly smaller than the storage tank 300, and therefore cooling of these components can be provided by an external cooling device. However, it is particularly convenient if cooling of these components is provided by the reliquefaction system 410, thereby eliminating the need for an external cooling system.

[0091] Regardless of the cooling method used for the collection tank 420 and the reliquefaction and collection tank piping, it is preferred that the internal temperature of these components be maintained between -10°C and -35°C, or approximately -20°C.

[0092] Still refer to Figure 3, the scrubber 430 is configured to treat the gaseous ammonia leaking from the safety system 400. Scrubbers 430 are known in the art, and selecting an appropriate scrubber 430 for the purpose of treating the gaseous ammonia will be within the capabilities of those skilled in the art. In some examples, the scrubber 430 may be connected to a chimney 431 that is arranged to deliver the treated gaseous ammonia to the atmosphere. After treatment, the gaseous ammonia is actually mostly air with minimal ammonia in the air. Therefore, the treated gas can simply be exhausted to the atmosphere without posing any danger to humans or creating odors on land. For 15,000m 3 The storage tank, as in the presently described example, and the chimney 431 may be arranged to discharge the treated gas approximately 15m-20m above the ground.

[0093] In other examples, treated gaseous ammonia can be transported to seawater by directly connecting scrubber 430 to an outlet pipe located under the sea. In some examples, safety system 400 may include a chimney 431 for discharging treated gaseous ammonia to the atmosphere and an outlet pipe located under the sea for transporting treated gaseous ammonia to seawater. In this case, it is possible to switch between discharging to the atmosphere and discharging treated gas to seawater. In some cases, the ability to switch between discharging to the atmosphere (i.e., air) and discharging to seawater can be provided only as redundancy to ensure that if continued release of treated gaseous ammonia in a preferred manner becomes dangerous or undesirable, treated gaseous ammonia can always be discharged. For example, if system 400 is set to release treated gaseous ammonia into the atmosphere by chimney 431 as described above, and people must work near chimney 431 during operation, then if the system is configured to provide this switching capability, it may be very desirable to switch to discharging to seawater. Furthermore, if a preferred method of discharge (e.g., discharge to the atmosphere via chimney 431) is not possible due to mechanical blockage of chimney 431, system 200 can instead discharge to seawater, thereby still allowing gaseous ammonia to be safely discharged from system 400, thereby providing redundancy and increasing the safety of system 200. In some examples, the ammonia discharged to the atmosphere can be combusted.

[0094] In the case where gaseous ammonia is discharged into the seawater, the scrubber 430 is preferably provided with an activated carbon filter (not shown) so that the gaseous ammonia is transported to the seawater through the activated carbon filter. In addition, it is preferred that the gaseous ammonia is released into the seawater at a suitable depth. As an example only, the gaseous ammonia can be released into the water at a depth of about 10m. In addition, at the discharge position in the sea, a device can be provided that is configured to crush the gaseous ammonia bubbles, thereby preventing the gaseous ammonia bubbles from quickly reaching the water surface and the ammonia from being absorbed into the water. An example of such a suitable device can be a multi-layer tank of a porous plate. It should be understood that other suitable devices can also be used.

[0095] The water tank 440 is fluidly connected to the scrubber 430 so that contaminated water from the scrubber 430 can be collected in the water tank 440 during use. The water tank 440 can be configured to hold the contaminated water for a period of time until the water tank 440 can be emptied. In this regard, the water tank 440 can have a capacity of 100 m3. 3 Up to 15,000m 3 The capacity between them is such that a sufficient amount of contaminated water can be stored therein.

[0096] The water tank 440 may be removed from the system for emptying, or may include a fluid port or connection to the surface for draining the contaminated water to a suitable collection container above ground.

[0097] In some examples, if the water tank 440 is provided with a sufficiently large capacity to hold a sufficiently large amount of water in the water tank 440, the water tank 440 may also be configured to receive liquid ammonia, such as liquid ammonia that has leaked from other components of the safety system 400. In this regard, the safety system 400 may be arranged such that the leaked liquid ammonia is delivered to the water tank 440, where it can be mixed with the water in the water tank 440 and thereby safely absorbed into the water. Therefore, it should be noted that in the case where the water tank 440 is used to collect the leaked ammonia, the water tank 440 must be large enough so that it can be safely absorbed into the water.

[0098] The backup external cooling system 450 is configured to be operable to provide backup cooling to the storage tank 300 and the collection tank 420. In this regard, the backup external cooling system 450 in the example currently described includes a plurality of freezing pipes 451 and an external cooling unit 452. The plurality of freezing pipes 451 are inserted into the ground so that they surround the storage tank 300. In this regard, the freezing pipes 451 are positioned close enough to the storage tank 300 or directly adjacent to the storage tank 300 so that a sufficient cooling effect can be provided to the storage tank 300. In some examples, the freezing pipes 451 can be within 2m to 10m of the ground from the storage tank 300. In some examples, the freezing pipes 451 can be within 4m to 8m of the ground from the storage tank 300. In some examples, the freezing pipes 451 can be about 5m of the ground from the storage tank 300. In some examples, a single freezing pipe 451 can be provided. In this case, the freezing pipes 451 can preferably be arranged as a continuous loop around the storage tank 300. When multiple freezing pipes 451 are provided, they are preferably evenly distributed around the storage tank 300. In the illustrated example, the freezing pipes 451 extend downwardly along the sidewall 301 of the storage tank 300. It should be understood that in other examples not shown, the freezing pipes 451 may also extend below the bottom plate 302 of the storage tank 300.

[0099] In use, the external cooling unit 452 can be connected to the freezing pipe 451 to sharply reduce the temperature of the freezing pipe 451 so that the freezing pipe 451 can provide cooling to the storage tank 300. Although the freezing pipe 451 is installed in the ground adjacent to the storage tank 300, it is possible but not necessary to set a permanent external cooling unit 452 at the surface. On the contrary, the freezing pipe 451 can include a connector so that the freezing pipe 451 can be connected to the external cooling unit 452 when needed. In this way, the external cooling unit 452 can be connected to the freezing pipe 451 only when needed and can be used at another location when not needed. This saves space on the land above the storage tank 300 and also reduces the permanent equipment required at the location. In addition, a sufficiently powerful external cooling unit 452 may be expensive, so when backup cooling is needed, providing the external cooling unit 452 only when actually needed can provide an economic advantage.

[0100] The liquid ammonia delivery system 460 is configured to deliver liquid ammonia into and out of the storage tank 300 . Figure 3 The liquid ammonia delivery system 460 shown in FIG is arranged and connected to a vessel in use, thereby allowing ammonia to be filled from a storage tank 300 to the vessel. The vessel includes a hull 600 having a delivery port 610. The liquid ammonia delivery system 460 includes a safety hose 461 for connection to the delivery port 610 in use. The safety hose 461 is manipulated by a robot 462 to allow the safety hose 461 to be connected and disconnected from the delivery port 610, as will be explained.

[0101] Safety hose 461 is configured so that leaked liquid ammonia conveyed by safety hose 461 during use will be captured by safety hose 461 and can be conveyed back to storage tank 300. Furthermore, during use, gaseous ammonia in safety hose 461 can be conveyed to scrubber 430 and / or chimney 431 for combustion and / or reliquefaction system 410. Further details of safety hose 461 will be provided later.

[0102] In the example currently described, the safety hose 461 is connected to the intermediate container 480. Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, the safety hose 461 is inclined at a steep angle into the intermediate container 480, allowing any leaking liquid ammonia to flow downward into the intermediate container 480, where it is temporarily collected. The intermediate container 480 may include a pumping device to pump the liquid ammonia back to the storage tank 300. In this regard, if a pumping device is provided, the connection between the intermediate container 480 and the storage tank 300 does not need to be at an inclined angle. It should be understood that the intermediate container 480 can be provided with appropriately arranged valves and / or liquid handling equipment.

[0103] It will be appreciated that in alternative examples, if the safety hose can be held at an angle along its length and / or if a pumping device can be integrated into the safety hose to deliver the liquid or gas back, then the intermediate container 480 may not need to be provided.

[0104] In some examples, a control system can be provided to determine where the returned fluid (i.e., liquid and / or gas) should be directed. That is, the control system can determine whether the returned ammonia gas is directed to a scrubber, or if a very large amount of ammonia gas is returned, to a chimney to burn the gas. Suitable fluid connections can be provided between the safety hose and each of the scrubber, storage tank, chimney, and re-purification system.

[0105] Still refer to Figure 3 Now, details of one possible construction method for forming storage tank 300 within the ground will be described. As previously described, storage tank 300 can be located in a cavern created by blasting or excavated from a mountain. The preferred method for forming the cavern is through mechanical excavation. In some cases, storage tank 300 is pre-formed and delivered to the cavern as a substantially complete tank 300. In other cases, storage tank 300 is constructed within the cavern, as will now be explained. However, constructing storage tank 300 within a cavern is problematic because the cavern may fill with water, as the excavation would require deeper than the groundwater level.

[0106] A preferred solution to this problem is to begin construction of the storage tank 300 by installing a freezing pipe 451 around the location where the storage tank 300 will be located. In this regard, the freezing pipe 451 is located within a drilled or excavated hole in the ground. The freezing pipe 451 is then connected to a cooling unit 452 and operated to freeze the ground, which in turn freezes the groundwater level at the location where the excavation will take place. During excavation, the groundwater level remains frozen, and the cavern can be excavated without filling it with water. After the cavern is formed and cleared of water, concrete and polymer can be sprayed or otherwise attached to the interior walls of the cavern to form the sidewalls 301 and floor 302 of the storage tank 300. In some examples, alternating layers of concrete and polymer can be used. It should be noted that after the cavern is formed in the manner described above, the storage tank 300 can be constructed in another manner, such as by assembling snap-fit ​​walls as described above. The cooling unit 452 can then be removed, leaving the freezing pipe 451 in the ground near the storage tank 300 so that they can be reused in an emergency situation requiring immediate cooling of the storage tank 300, as described above.

[0107] Now refer to Figure 4 , an alternative system 200' is now described. The system 200' is similar to the reference Figure 3 The system 200 is described, and thus like reference numerals are used to refer to like components. Figure 4 Apostrophes (') are added to the examples described in .

[0108] System 200' includes a storage tank 300', which includes sidewalls 301', a floor 302', and a roof 303' located beneath rock and soil 304'. Tank 300' is connected to a safety system 400' to control leaks from tank 300' and allow liquid ammonia to be transferred into and out of tank 300'. Safety system 400' includes a reliquefaction system 410', a collection tank 420', a scrubber 430' and chimney 431', a water tank 440', a backup external cooling system 450' (including a cryogenic pipe 451' and an external cooling unit 452'), a liquid ammonia delivery system 460', and a safety buffer tank 470'.

[0109] Figure 4 The examples shown in the Figure 3 The described examples operate in substantially the same manner, except that the safety buffer tank 470' provides a tank that can store overflow ammonia in the event that the storage tank 300' is overfilled. In this regard, the safety buffer tank 470' includes a fluid connection with the storage tank 300' to allow overflow ammonia to be transferred to the safety buffer tank 470'. The safety buffer tank 470' may also include one or more sensors configured to detect ammonia in the safety buffer tank 470'. The one or more sensors may be arranged with suitable electronics to alert an operator of the safety system 200' of the presence of ammonia in the safety buffer tank 470' and, therefore, of the overfilling of the storage tank 300'. Optionally, the system 200' may include a control system configured to automatically stop the filling of the storage tank 300' when the one or more sensors in the safety buffer tank 470' detect ammonia.

[0110] Still refer to Figure 4 As can be further seen, in this example, system 200' is positioned within an access road 500' formed in the ground. In this regard, storage tank 300' has already been formed as previously described, and access road 500' has already been excavated during the excavation of the cavern as a single, deep roadway from the ground down to the cavern floor, providing a path for material removal during excavation. Access road 500' is not refilled after the cavern is fully formed, as positioning safety system 400' within the formed access road 500' is particularly convenient after the cavern has been formed and excavation of material through access road 500' is complete. After safety system 400' is positioned within access road 500', any remaining free space surrounding safety system 400' can be refilled to substantially bury safety system 400' underground. The described method of using access road 500' as a location for positioning safety system 400' avoids the need for further excavation to provide additional caverns for safety system 400'.

[0111] By locating the described systems 200, 200' below ground, the risk of fire and explosion is significantly reduced, making it possible to eliminate or minimize the need for an above-ground safety zone. This is particularly advantageous because it allows for the storage of ammonia in urban ports, where ammonia bunkering is often performed but where many people must live and work nearby. Furthermore, real estate in or near urban ports can often be very valuable, so it may be advantageous to consume no above-ground land area when discharging the treated ammonia gas to the ocean, or to consume very little above-ground land area when discharging the treated ammonia gas to the air.

[0112] In the preferred embodiment described, it is desirable to keep the ammonia as cool as possible to minimize vaporization. In this regard, the storage tanks 300, 300' are configured to operate at approximately atmospheric pressure under normal conditions and to withstand significantly higher internal pressures in the event of excessive vaporization. In some examples, it may be desirable to configure the storage tanks 300, 300' to withstand higher internal pressures. In such examples, the ammonia may be pressurized during normal storage within the storage tanks 300, 300', so that the vaporization temperature will be higher than at atmospheric pressure. In this regard, if the ammonia is stored at a pressure of 2.5 bar, for example, the storage tanks 300, 300' may only be cooled to -20°C to maintain a sufficiently low boiling point within the storage tanks 300, 300'. Similarly, in such cases, it may be necessary to increase the maximum internal pressure that the storage tanks 300, 300' can withstand to provide a safety factor to ensure that the storage tanks 300, 300' do not explode or rupture if the temperature within the tanks increases, thereby increasing the internal pressure due to vaporization of the ammonia, as previously described.

[0113] In the depicted example, the tanks 300, 300' do not require insulation to prevent heating from the surrounding environment.

[0114] It should be understood that the water tanks 440, 440' of the described systems 200, 200' can be maintained at a temperature above 0°C so that they do not freeze. For example, the water tanks 440, 440' can be provided with insulation and / or heating. In addition, the water tanks 440, 440' can be located away from the storage tanks 300, 300' so that the water tanks 440, 440' can be kept warm enough so that they do not freeze when the storage tanks 300, 300' are maintained at a low temperature.

[0115] Although not described in detail, it should be understood that the operation of the system 200, 200' can be performed from a remote location. In this regard, the system 200, 200' may not require nearby personnel. It should be understood that monitoring, control, and emergency procedures can all be implemented remotely via a suitably configured wireless or wired communication system.

[0116] During operation, the storage tanks 300, 300' can store any amount of ammonia up to 100% of the storage capacity of the storage tanks 300, 300'. For practical reasons, it may be desirable to fill the tanks to a practical maximum of 90% to 95% full. In the example where the storage tanks 300, 300' are at their practical maximum (i.e., approximately 95% full), 5% of the free space in the storage tanks 300, 300' remains as a gas buffer volume.

[0117] In some examples, storage tanks 300, 300' may not be fully filled. In some examples, storage tanks 300, 300' may only be filled to, for example, between 70% and 90% of their capacity, or to approximately 80% of their capacity. At 80% filling, there is a 20% gas buffer volume. When only a 5% gas buffer volume is present, any vaporized ammonia will increase the pressure within storage tanks 300, 300' more rapidly than when a 20% gas buffer volume is provided. Therefore, the operational safety of systems 200, 200' can be improved by providing a larger gas buffer volume.

[0118] In some examples, it may be desirable to always operate the external cooling system 450, 450' while ammonia is present in the storage tank 300, 300'. This can provide an additional safety barrier because operation of the external cooling system 450, 450' causes any groundwater surrounding the storage tank 300, 300' to freeze. The reaction between ammonia and ice is very slow, so if any ammonia leaks from the walls 301, 301' or floor 302, 302' of the storage tank 300, 300', it will take a long time to penetrate the surrounding ice.

[0119] In some examples, the storage tank 300 , 300 ′ may include a plurality of sensors located around the walls 301 , 301 ′ and the floor 302 , 302 ′ of the storage tank 300 , 300 ′ and configured to detect leaked ammonia.

[0120] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , now available Figures 1 to 3 462 of the safety system 400. Although the term robot is used herein, it should be understood that a robot includes any basic robotic arm or manipulator. As previously mentioned, except for the robot 462 and at least a portion of the safety hose 461, the safety system 400 is primarily located below ground level. Figure 5 , the robot 462 includes an end effector 463 configured to engage and manipulate a connector 464 located at one end of the hose 461. Figure 5As shown, when the hose 461 is not delivering liquid ammonia, the hose 461 can be stored underground. The robot 462 can retrieve the hose 461 by connecting to the connector 464 and bringing the hose 461 above the ground so that the connector 464 can be engaged with the delivery port 610, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. The robot 462 described can be used with Figure 4 for use with the security system 400'.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 , further details are now provided of the safety hose 461 and connector 464. The safety hose 461 is arranged to convey liquid ammonia from a proximal end 461A of the hose 461 to a distal end 461B of the hose 461.

[0122] Robot 462 Figure 7 462 is shown in simplified schematic form, as the specific type or arrangement of robot 462 is not critical. In this regard, in the presently described example, robot 462 is connected to hose 461 via a first ring 462A and a second ring 462B, which are configured to ensure that hose 461 does not move away from robot 462 during use. In some examples, first ring 462A and second ring 462B may also be configured to at least partially support the weight of hose 461 during use. Robot 462 primarily manipulates hose 461 by connecting robot 462 to connector 464. Connector 464 is connected to distal end 461B of hose 461, so manipulation of connector 464 also causes hose 461 to move. It should be understood that manipulation and / or movement of hose 461 and connector 464 can be provided in a variety of ways.

[0123] Still refer to Figure 7 The hose 461 includes an external fluid communication pipe 4611 , a first internal fluid communication pipe 4612 , and a second internal fluid communication pipe 4613 . The first internal fluid communication pipe 4612 and the second internal fluid communication pipe 4613 are disposed within the external fluid communication pipe 4611 .

[0124] The first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 is configured to transport liquid ammonia (not shown) from the proximal end 461A to the distal end 461B. In other words, the hose 461 transports liquid ammonia from the proximal end 461A to the distal end 461B, and specifically, the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 is a component within the hose 461 that provides the liquid ammonia transport during normal use.

[0125] The arrangement in which the external fluid communication conduit 4611 is disposed around the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 carrying the liquid ammonia provides an arrangement in which any leakage of liquid ammonia from the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 will leak into the external fluid communication conduit 4611. In this regard, any leakage of liquid ammonia from the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 will not reach the environment outside the hose 461. In other words, any leaked liquid ammonia from within the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 is captured within the external fluid communication conduit 4611.

[0126] Still refer to Figure 7 The delivery port 610 is formally registered with the connector 464 such that the connector 464 and the delivery port 610 are matingly engaged to allow liquid ammonia to be delivered from the safety system 400 to the delivery port 610 on the hull 600 of the vessel.

[0127] Although not shown in the figures, the container may include a fluid storage tank or other suitable container configured to store or process the ammonia being transported. In this regard, when liquid ammonia is transported from the safety system 400, it may be necessary to extract gas (e.g., smoke from the liquid ammonia) in a safe manner. The second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 is configured to transmit gas from the distal end 461B to the proximal end 461A, so that in use, gas can be transmitted from the distal end 461B to the proximal end 461A in the second internal fluid communication conduit 4613, while liquid ammonia is transported from the proximal end 461A to the distal end 461B in the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612. In this way, gas can be extracted in a safe manner. In addition, gas leaking from the second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 will be received in the external fluid communication conduit 4611 and can be transported to the proximal end 461A. There are multiple possible ways to transport the leaked gas to the proximal end 461A in the external fluid communication conduit 4611. By way of non-limiting example only, a suction device may be provided to draw leaked gas from the external fluid communication conduit 4611 to the proximal end 461A.

[0128] In the example described herein, external fluid communication conduit 4611 is a flexible tube. In some examples, external fluid communication conduit 4611 can be configured as a rigid tube. Similarly, in the example described herein, first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 and second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 are flexible tubes. In some alternative examples, first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 and second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 can be configured as rigid tubes.

[0129] In the presently described example, safety hose 461 is configured for use with ammonia. In this regard, first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 is configured to transport liquid ammonia. Furthermore, external fluid communication conduit 4611 is configured to transport both liquid ammonia and gas, such that any liquid ammonia leaking from first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 can be received by external fluid communication conduit 4611. Providing suitable materials, manufacturing processes, thicknesses, and the like for transporting liquid ammonia in first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 and both liquid ammonia and gas in external fluid communication conduit 4611 is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0130] Now refer to Figure 8 Further details of the safety connector 464 are provided. As previously mentioned, the safety connector 464 is configured to cooperate with the delivery port 610 for delivering ammonia. The delivery port 610 is provided with a first port conduit 611 and a second port conduit 612. Figure 8 As can be seen in the figure, the first port conduit 611 engages the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 of the hose 461, and the second port conduit 612 engages the second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 of the hose 461, thereby allowing the transfer of liquid ammonia and gas as previously described. The connector 464 includes a connector body 4641, which includes a hose connection end 464A and a port connection end 464B. The hose connection end 464A includes an external conduit connection device 4642, which is configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the hose connection end 464A of the connector body 4641 and the external fluid communication conduit 4611 of the safety hose 461 during use.

[0131] The connector 464 further includes a first inner pipe fixing device 4643, which is disposed within the connector body 4641 and is configured to, during use, fix the first inner fluid communication pipe 4612 to the connector body 4641 so that the first inner fluid communication pipe 4612 can be connected to the first port pipe 611 within the connector body 4641. The connector 464 further includes a second inner pipe fixing device 4644, which is disposed within the connector body 4641 and is configured to, during use, fix the second inner fluid communication pipe 4613 to the connector body 4641 so that the second inner fluid communication pipe 4613 can be connected to the second port pipe 612 within the connector body 4641.

[0132] In the example currently described, the first internal pipe fixture 4643 and the second internal pipe fixture 4644 are set as a first bracket 4645 and a second bracket 4646, wherein the first clamp 4647 and the second clamp 4648 are configured to fixedly hold the first internal fluid connecting pipe 4612 and the second internal fluid connecting pipe 4613, so that the first internal fluid connecting pipe 4612 and the second internal fluid connecting pipe 4613 can be connected to the first port pipe 611 and the second port pipe 612.

[0133] Still refer to Figure 8 As can be seen, the connector 464 is provided with a port connection device 4649 disposed at the port connection end 464B of the connector 464. In the presently described example, the port connection device 4649 is provided in the form of a self-closing double flap that includes a seal configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the delivery port 610 and the port connection end 464B of the connector body 4641. This fluid-tight connection ensures that any ammonia that leaks from the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 within the connector body 4641 does not leak through the connection between the connector body 4641 and the delivery port 610.

[0134] It should be understood that in other examples not described herein, a fluid tight seal between the connector body 4641 and the delivery port 610 may be provided in alternative manners.

[0135] In the example currently described, the connector body 4641 is frustoconical. A frustoconical connector body 4641 is preferred, but not required. Where a frustoconical connector body 4641 is provided, the delivery port 610 preferably aligns with the shape and form of the connector body 4641, i.e., it is also provided in a frustoconical form, thereby allowing for easy mating between the connector 464 and the delivery port 610 in use.

[0136] In the presently described example, connector body 4641 is configured to deliver liquid ammonia. Connector body 410 is configured such that any liquid ammonia leaking from first internal fluid communication conduit 4612 is received within connector body 4641 and can be delivered to external fluid communication conduit 4611 of hose 461.

[0137] Furthermore, the connector body 4641 in the presently described example is configured to transport gas such that gas leaking from the second internal fluid communication conduit 4613 will be received in the connector body 4641 and can be transported to the external fluid communication conduit 4611 .

[0138] Now refer to Figure 9 Describes an alternative safety hose 461'. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Many features of the previous examples described are similar to those now referenced Figure 9 Features in the described examples are identical and therefore like reference numerals are used to denote like parts, with an apostrophe (') added in later described examples.

[0139] In this regard, a safety system 400' is provided that includes a safety hose 461', which includes a proximal end 461A', a distal end 461B' and a connector 464', and is arranged so that the hose 461' can be manipulated by a robot 462'. The connector 464' is connected to the distal end 461B' of the hose 461'. The hose 461' includes an external fluid communication conduit 4611' and a single internal fluid communication conduit 4612' disposed within the external fluid communication conduit 4611'. The single internal fluid communication conduit 4612' is configured to transport liquid ammonia (not shown) from the proximal end 461A' to the distal end 461B'. Any liquid ammonia that leaks from the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612' will not reach the environment outside the hose 461'.

[0140] The hull 600' includes an integrated delivery port 610' which is formally aligned with the connector 464' so that the connector 464' and the delivery port 610' are matingly engaged as previously described. The vessel may again include a fluid storage tank or other suitable container configured to store or handle the delivered ammonia. In this regard, when ammonia is delivered from the safety system 400', it may be necessary to extract gases (such as fumes from liquid ammonia) in a safe manner. The external fluid communication conduit 4611' is configured to deliver gases from the distal end 461B' to the proximal end 461A' so that in use, gas can be delivered from the distal end 461B' to the proximal end 461A' in the external fluid communication conduit 4611' while liquid ammonia is delivered from the proximal end 461A' to the distal end 461B' in the first internal fluid communication conduit 4612'. In this way, gas can be extracted in a safe manner. As in the previously described examples, a suction device (not shown) may be provided to suck leaking gas within the external fluid communication conduit 4611 ′ to the proximal end 461A′.

[0141] As in the previously described examples, the external fluid communication conduit 4611 ′ and the internal fluid communication conduit 4612 ′ may be provided as flexible tubes or rigid tubes.

[0142] Internal fluid communication conduit 4612' is configured to transport liquid ammonia. Furthermore, external fluid communication conduit 4611' is also configured to transport liquid ammonia and gas. Providing suitable materials, manufacturing processes, thicknesses, etc. for transporting liquid ammonia in internal fluid communication conduit 4612' and liquid ammonia and gas in external fluid communication conduit 4611' is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0143] Now refer to Figure 10 , a kit 1000 of two safety hoses is provided, which includes a first safety hose 1461 for conveying liquid ammonia from a proximal end 1461A of the first safety hose 1461 to a distal end 1461B of the first safety hose 1461, and a second safety hose 2461 for conveying gas from a distal end 2461B to a proximal end 2461A of the second safety hose 2461.

[0144] The first safety hose 1461 includes a first external fluid communication pipe 14611 and a first internal fluid communication pipe 14612 disposed within the first external fluid communication pipe 14611. The first internal fluid communication pipe 14611 is configured to transport liquid ammonia from the proximal end 1461A of the first safety hose 1461 to the distal end 1461B of the first safety hose 1461.

[0145] The second safety hose 2461 includes a second external fluid communication conduit 24611 and a second internal fluid communication conduit 24612 , which is disposed within the second external fluid communication conduit 24611 and configured to transport gas from the distal end 2461B of the second safety hose 2461 to the proximal end 2461A of the second safety hose 2461 .

[0146] In use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communication pipe 14612 will be received in the first external fluid communication pipe 14611, and gas leaking from the second internal fluid communication pipe 24612 will be received in the second external fluid communication pipe 24611.

[0147] Now refer to Figure 11 , provides a Figure 10 Safety connector 464 ″ for use with first hose 1461 or second hose 2461 of kit 1000 shown in FIG. 1 . The safety connector 464 ″ will now be described for use with first hose 1461 of kit 1000 .

[0148] Many features of the safety connector 464" are similar to the previously described connector 464. In this regard, the same reference numerals are used with the addition of double primes (") to indicate like parts. The safety connector 464" is configured to mate with a delivery port 610" for delivering ammonia. The delivery port 610" is provided with a single port conduit 611". From Figure 11 As can be seen in FIG, the single-port conduit 611" engages the first internal fluid communication conduit 14612 of the hose 1461, thereby allowing the transfer of fluid. Although not described in detail, it should be understood that a similar connector 464"' can be provided at the distal end 2461B of the second safety hose 2461 for transferring gas, as previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 10 Explained.

[0149] Still refer to Figure 11 , the connector 464" includes a connector body 4641", which includes a hose connection end 464A" and a port connection end 464B". The hose connection end 464A" includes an external pipe connection device 4642", which is configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the hose connection end 464A" of the connector body 4641" and the external fluid communication pipe 14611 of the safety hose 1461 during use.

[0150] The connector 464" also includes a single internal pipe fixture 4643", which is arranged in the connector body 4641" and is configured to fix the first internal fluid connecting pipe 14612 to the connector body 4641" during use, so that the first internal fluid connecting pipe 14612 can be connected to the single port pipe 611" in the connector body 4641".

[0151] Still refer to Figure 11 , it can be seen that the connector 464" is provided with a port connection device 4649", which is arranged at the port connection end 464B" of the connector 464". In the example currently described, the port connection device 4649" is provided in the form of a self-closing double flap, which includes a seal configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the delivery port 620" and the port connection end 464B" of the connector body 4641". This fluid-tight connection ensures that any liquid ammonia leaking from the single internal fluid communication conduit 14612 within the connector body 4641" will not leak through the connection between the connector body 4641" and the delivery port 610".

[0152] It should be understood that in other examples not described herein, a fluid tight seal between the connector body and the delivery port may be provided in alternative manners.

[0153] In the example currently described, the connector body is frustoconical. A frustoconical connector body is preferred, but not required. Where a frustoconical connector body is provided, the delivery port is preferably aligned with the shape and form of the connector body, i.e. the delivery port is also provided in a frustoconical form, thereby allowing for easy mating between the connector and the delivery port in use.

[0154] In all the examples described, it is preferred that the hose is connected at an angle during use so that leaking fluid flows downwardly along the hose towards the proximal end under the action of gravity. Such an angle may be 5° to 70° relative to vertical (vertical being 0°).

[0155] Alternatively or additionally, a pump or suction device may be provided, configured to convey the leaked liquid or gaseous fluid toward the proximal end. Furthermore, the hose may be provided with one or more liquid and / or gas sensors configured to detect the presence of liquid and / or gas within the external fluid communication conduit. Such detection may trigger a warning to the operator and / or automatically stop pumping the liquid ammonia within the internal fluid communication conduit.

Claims

1. A system (200, 200') for safely storing ammonia below ground level, comprising: A storage tank (300, 300'), wherein the storage tank (300, 300') is located underground and is used to store liquid ammonia; as well as A safety system (400, 400') connected to the storage tank (300, 300') to control leakage from the storage tank (300, 300') and to allow liquid ammonia to be transferred into the storage tank (300, 300') and to allow liquid ammonia to be transferred out of the storage tank (300, 300'), the safety system (200, 200') comprising: a reliquefaction system (410, 410'), the reliquefaction system (410, 410') being configured to receive and liquefy gaseous ammonia vaporized from the liquid ammonia in the storage tank (300, 300'), and to transport the liquefied ammonia to the storage tank (300, 300'); a collecting tank (420, 420'), the collecting tank (420, 420') being configured to collect liquid ammonia leaked from the safety system (400, 400') and transport the leaked liquid ammonia to the storage tank (300, 300'); a scrubber (430, 430') configured to treat gaseous ammonia leaking from the safety system (400, 400') and transmit the treated gas to the atmosphere or the ocean through a carbon filter; a water tank (440, 440') connected to the scrubber (430, 430') and configured to receive contaminated water; a backup external cooling system (450, 450') configured and operable to provide backup cooling to the storage tank (300, 300') and the collection tank (420, 420'); and a liquid ammonia delivery system (460, 460'), the liquid ammonia delivery system (460, 460') being configured to deliver liquid ammonia into the storage tank (300, 300') and to deliver liquid ammonia out of the storage tank (300, 300'); wherein the reliquefaction system (410, 410') is configured to provide cooling to the storage tank (300, 300') and the collection tank (420, 420') due to the liquefaction of the ammonia gas; and The liquid ammonia delivery system (460, 460') includes a safety hose (461, 461'), and the safety hose (461, 461') includes: External fluid communication pipe (4611, 4611'); a first internal fluid communication conduit (4612, 4612'), the first internal fluid communication conduit (4612, 4612') being disposed within the external fluid communication conduit (4611, 4611') and configured to transport the liquid ammonia from the proximal end (461A, 461A') to the distal end (461B, 461B'); So that in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communication pipe (4612, 4612') will be received in the external fluid communication pipe (4611, 4611').

2. The system (200, 200') according to claim 1, wherein The storage tank (300, 300') is configured to withstand an internal pressure of up to at least 2 bar, or at least 3 bar, or at least 4 bar, or at least 5 bar.

3. The system (200, 200') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The reliquefaction and collection tanks (420, 420') are configured to withstand internal pressure.

4. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The storage tank (300, 300') has a 1,000m 3 Up to 40,000m 3 The storage capacity between.

5. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The storage tank (300, 300') comprises a wall (301, 301'), a bottom plate (302, 302') and a top plate (303, 303'), wherein the wall (301, 301') and / or the bottom plate (302, 302') are made of concrete, and the top plate (303, 303') comprises a steel structure.

6. The system (200, 200') according to claim 5, wherein The top plate (303, 303') of the storage tank (300, 300') is covered with soil.

7. The system (200, 200') according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The top plate (303, 303') is welded or bolted to the wall (301, 301') and / or the bottom plate (302, 302').

8. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The system (200, 200') further comprises: a reliquefaction pipeline fluidly connecting the reliquefaction system (410, 410') and the collection tank (420, 420'); and a collecting tank conduit fluidly connecting the collecting tank (420, 420') and the storage tank (300, 300'); The reliquefaction system (410, 410') is configured to provide cooling to the reliquefaction tank pipe and the collection tank pipe due to the liquefaction of ammonia gas.

9. The system (200, 200') according to claim 8, wherein The reliquefaction system (410, 410') is configured to provide cooling to the reliquefaction tank piping and the collection tank piping so that the internal temperature of the reliquefaction tank piping and the collection tank piping is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

10. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The water tank (440, 440') has a 100m 3 Up to 15,000m 3 The capacity between.

11. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a chimney (431, 431') connected to the scrubber (430, 430') to allow the treated gas to be discharged into the atmosphere.

12. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The reliquefaction system (410, 410') is configured to provide cooling of the storage tank (300, 300') so that the internal temperature of the storage tank (300, 300') is between -5°C and -50°C or between -30°C and -40°C.

13. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The reliquefaction system (410, 410') is configured to provide cooling of the collection tank (420, 420') such that the internal temperature of the collection tank (420, 420') is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

14. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The backup external cooling system (450, 450') includes at least one cryotube (451, 451'), which is located on the ground and close enough to the storage tank (300, 300') so that in use, the at least one cryotube (451, 451') can cool the storage tank (300, 300') so that the internal temperature of the storage tank (300, 300') is between -5°C and -40°C or between -30°C and -40°C.

15. The system (200, 200') according to claim 14, wherein The at least one freezing pipe (451, 451') is located in the ground within 2m to 10m, or 4m to 8m, or about 5m from the storage tank (300, 300').

16. The system (200, 200') according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The at least one cryotube (451, 451') is located on the ground, close enough to the collection tank (420, 420') so that in use, the at least one cryotube (451, 451') can cool the collection tank (420, 420') so that the internal temperature of the collection tank (420, 420') is between -10°C and -35°C or approximately -20°C.

17. The system (200, 200') according to claim 16, wherein The at least one freezing pipe (451, 451') is located on the ground within 2m to 10m or 4m to 8m or about 5m from the collection tank (420, 420').

18. The system (200, 200') according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The at least one freezing tube (451, 451') includes a plurality of freezing tubes (451, 451').

19. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein: The backup external cooling system (450, 450') further includes a removable cooling unit (452, 452') configured to be connected to the at least one cryotube (451, 451') to provide cooling of the at least one cryotube (451, 451').

20. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external fluid communication pipe (4611, 4611') is a flexible tube.

21. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first internal fluid communication conduit (4612, 4612') is a flexible tube.

22. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external fluid communication pipe (4611, 4611') is configured to transport liquid ammonia and / or gas.

23. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external fluid communication conduit (4611, 4611') is configured to deliver liquid to the proximal end (461A, 461A') in use; So that in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid communication pipe (4612, 4612') will be received in the external fluid communication pipe (4611, 4611') and can be transported to the proximal end (461A, 461A').

24. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The external fluid communication conduit (4611, 4611') is configured to transport gas from the distal end (461B, 461B') to the proximal end (461A, 461A') so that, in use, gas can be transported from the distal end (461B, 461B') to the proximal end (461A, 461A') while liquid ammonia is transported from the proximal end (461A, 461A') to the distal end (461B, 461B') in the first internal fluid communication conduit (4612, 4612').

25. The system (200, 200') according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second internal fluid communication conduit (4613) disposed within the external fluid communication conduit (4611) and configured to deliver gas from the distal end (461B) to the proximal end (461A); so that, in use, gas can be transported in the second internal fluid communication conduit (4613) from the distal end (461B) to the proximal end (461A) while liquid ammonia is transported in the first internal fluid communication conduit (4612) from the proximal end (461A) to the distal end (461B); and Gas leakage from the second internal fluid communication conduit (4613) will be received in the external fluid communication conduit (4611) and can be transported to the proximal end (461A).

26. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein The liquid ammonia delivery system (460, 460') includes a second safety hose (2461), wherein the second safety hose (2461) is used to deliver gas from a distal end (2461B) of the second safety hose (2461) to a proximal end (2461A) of the second safety hose (2461), and the second safety hose (2461) includes: a second external fluid communication conduit (24611); and a second internal fluid communication conduit (24612), the second internal fluid communication conduit (24612) being disposed within the second external fluid communication conduit (24611) and configured to convey the gas from the distal end (2461B) of the second safety hose (2461) to the proximal end (2461A) of the second safety hose (2461); So that in use, gas leaking from the second internal fluid communication pipe (24612) will be received in the second external fluid communication pipe (24611).

27. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a safety connector (464), wherein the safety connector (464) is used to connect the safety hose (461) to a delivery port (610) in use to safely deliver liquid ammonia from the internal fluid communication pipe (4612) to the delivery port (610), the connector (464) comprising: A connector body (4641), the connector body (4641) including a hose connection end (464A) and a port connection end (464B); an external conduit connection device (4642) configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the hose connection end (464A) of the connector body (4641) and the external fluid communication conduit (4611) of the safety hose (461), in use; a first internal conduit fixing device (4643) disposed within the connector body (4641) and configured to fix the first internal conduit (4612) to the connector body (4641) during use, such that the first internal conduit (4612) can be connected to the fluid receiving conduit (611) of the port (610) within the connector body (4641) during use; a port connection device (4649) configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between the port connection end (464B) of the connector body (4641) and the delivery port (610) in use; So that in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal pipe (4612) within the connector body (4641) will be received in the connector body (4641).

28. The system (200, 200') according to claim 27, wherein The connector body (4641) is in the shape of a truncated cone.

29. The system (200, 200') according to claim 27 or 28, wherein The connector body (4641) is configured to transport liquid ammonia.

30. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein The connector body (4641) is configured to deliver liquid to the hose connection end (464A) in use; So that in use, liquid ammonia leaking from the first internal fluid connecting pipe (4612) within the connector body (4641) will be received in the connector body (4641) and can be transported to the hose connection end (464A).

31. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein: The connector body (4641) is configured to deliver gas from the delivery port (610) to the hose connection end (464A) during use, so that in use, gas can be delivered from the delivery port (610) to the hose connection end (464A) while liquid ammonia is delivered to the first internal fluid communication pipe (4612) through the safety connector (464).

32. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 27 to 31 as dependent on claim 25, further comprising a second internal pipe fixing device (4644), which is arranged in the connector body (4641) and is configured to fix the second internal pipe (4613) of the safety hose (461) to the connector body (4641) during use, so that the second internal pipe (4613) can be connected to the gas supply pipe (612) of the port (610) inside the connector body (4641) during use.

33. The system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein: The hose connection end portion (464A) of the connector body (4641) is fluid-tightly connected to the external fluid communication pipe (4611) of the safety hose (461) via the external pipe connection device (4642); The first internal pipe (4612) is fixed to the connector body (4641) by a first internal pipe fixing device (4643).

34. A method for safely storing and transporting ammonia underground, comprising the steps of: Providing a system (200, 200') according to any one of claims 1 to 33; Providing a certain volume of liquid ammonia in the storage tank (300, 300'); The reliquefaction system (410, 410') is operated to: receiving and liquefying gaseous ammonia vaporized from the liquid ammonia in the storage tank (300, 300'), and transporting the liquefied ammonia to the storage tank (300, 300'); providing cooling for the storage tank (300, 300') and the collection tank (420, 420') by liquefying the ammonia gas; as well as delivering ammonia from the proximal end (461A) of the hose (461) to the distal end (461B) of the hose (461) through the first internal fluid communication conduit (4612); So that ammonia leaked from the first internal fluid communication pipe (4612) will be received in the external fluid communication pipe (4611).

35. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: Liquid ammonia leaked from the safety system (400, 400') is collected in the collecting tank (420, 420'), and the leaked liquid ammonia is transported to the storage tank (300, 300').

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, further comprising the steps of: treating gaseous ammonia leaking from the safety system (400, 400') in a scrubber (430, 430') and transmitting the treated gas to the atmosphere or the ocean through a carbon filter; as well as Contaminated water from the scrubber (430, 430') is collected in the water tank (440, 440').

37. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 36, further comprising the steps of: The backup external cooling system (450, 450') is operated to provide cooling to the storage tank (300, 300') and the collection tank (420, 420').

38. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, further comprising the steps of: The liquid ammonia delivery system (460, 460') is used to deliver liquid ammonia to the storage tank (300, 300') or to deliver liquid ammonia out of the storage tank (300, 300').

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